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Magnussen says he's Glasgow Games underd

Laine Clark

Suddenly, the hunter has become the hunted in the Commonwealth Games men's 100m freestyle.

Dual world champion James Magnussen admitted he was the underdog in the Glasgow Games two-lap splash and dash after compatriot Cameron McEvoy's remarkable transformation.

The stage was set for an epic Scottish two-lap battle after rocket science fan McEvoy sank the "The Missile" at the Games selection trials.

Physics student McEvoy not only had all the right answers in the 100m final to topple Magnussen, the 20-year-old claimed the 200m national crown and was pipped by Eamon Sullivan in the 50m before the veteran later withdrew from Glasgow due to shoulder surgery.

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McEvoy is in line for a maximum six gold medals at Glasgow - but it seems his sights are firmly set on the glamour 100m title, not that Magnussen had to be reminded.

"He is definitely the favourite. I am am approaching this as if I am the underdog. I am chasing him 0 - he is not chasing me," said Magnussen at the Australian team's pre-Glasgow camp at Manchester.

"I may have done the fastest time this year but I didn't win the biggest race this year to date so I have trained as the underdog and that has made me a lot hungrier and given me a fire in the belly which is just what I needed."

After clocking the world's fastest 100m time (47.59), Magnussen quickly set his sights on Brazil's Cesar Cielo's world mark of 20.91 at April's national titles but forgot to look over his shoulder at McEvoy.

However Magnussen admitted he had not been surprised by McEvoy's stellar rise.

"He has had a very similar improvement curve similar to me so I am not that really surprised," he said.

"He is at that stage where he can do five hard sessions and still go out on a Saturday night - I wish I could do that."

But, the rugby league-mad Magnussen could not be any more different to science fiend McEvoy.

"There wasn't a rivalry before trials but I don't like being beaten," Magnussen said.

"Honestly, we get along quite well outside the pool even though we are chalk and cheese.

"It's hard to butt heads with him because we are such different guys.

"I am not reading any physics books, just like he is not watching any (Canterbury) Bulldogs games.

"But I would like to think I have helped mentor him a little bit.

"I don't feel a rivalry but, once it is time to hit the water, it is game time."